The USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3) is a United States Navy ship named after the renowned Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller, a highly decorated war hero who served in both World Wars and the Korean War. The USS Lewis B. Puller is an Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, a class of vessels designed to provide a mobile, flexible platform for a variety of military operations, including counter-piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.
Ship Design and Capabilities
The USS Lewis B. Puller is the third ship in the ESB class, with a length of 764 feet (233 meters) and a beam of 106 feet (32 meters). The ship has a displacement of approximately 90,000 tons and is powered by a combination of diesel and gas turbine engines, providing a top speed of over 15 knots (28 km/h). The USS Lewis B. Puller is equipped with a range of advanced systems, including a Rolls-Royce commercial diesel-electric propulsion system, a Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and a Raytheon AN/SPS-75 air search radar. The ship’s design incorporates a large flight deck, allowing it to support a variety of aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey and the CH-53E Super Stallion.
Operational History
The USS Lewis B. Puller was christened on February 6, 2016, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California. The ship was commissioned on August 17, 2017, and is homeported at Naval Base San Diego. Since its commissioning, the USS Lewis B. Puller has participated in a range of exercises and operations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and the International Maritime Exercise (IMX). In 2020, the ship deployed to the Middle East as part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, where it supported maritime security and counter-terrorism operations.
| Characteristics | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 764 feet (233 meters) |
| Beam | 106 feet (32 meters) |
| Displacement | approximately 90,000 tons |
| Top Speed | over 15 knots (28 km/h) |
| Crew | 250 personnel |
Key Points
- The USS Lewis B. Puller is a United States Navy Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ship, designed to provide a mobile platform for a variety of military operations.
- The ship is named after Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller, a highly decorated war hero.
- The USS Lewis B. Puller has a length of 764 feet (233 meters) and a beam of 106 feet (32 meters), with a displacement of approximately 90,000 tons.
- The ship is equipped with a range of advanced systems, including a Rolls-Royce commercial diesel-electric propulsion system and a Raytheon AN/SPS-75 air search radar.
- The USS Lewis B. Puller has participated in a range of exercises and operations, including RIMPAC and IMX, and has deployed to the Middle East as part of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
Shipboard Systems and Equipment
The USS Lewis B. Puller is equipped with a range of advanced systems and equipment, including a Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV, a Raytheon AN/SPS-75 air search radar, and a General Dynamics Mission Systems AN/USG-2 advanced mission computer. The ship’s propulsion system is powered by a combination of diesel and gas turbine engines, providing a top speed of over 15 knots (28 km/h). The USS Lewis B. Puller also features a range of communication systems, including a General Dynamics Mission Systems AN/USC-61© satellite communication system and a Northrop Grumman AN/URC-151© satellite communication system.
Shipboard Operations
The USS Lewis B. Puller is designed to support a range of shipboard operations, including flight operations, cargo operations, and maintenance. The ship’s large flight deck allows it to support a variety of aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey and the CH-53E Super Stallion. The USS Lewis B. Puller also features a range of cargo handling equipment, including cranes and forklifts, allowing it to load and unload cargo quickly and efficiently.
The USS Lewis B. Puller has a crew of 250 personnel, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian mariners. The ship's crew is responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's systems and equipment, as well as supporting a range of military operations.
What is the primary mission of the USS Lewis B. Puller?
+The primary mission of the USS Lewis B. Puller is to provide a mobile, flexible platform for a range of military operations, including counter-piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.
What is the USS Lewis B. Puller's top speed?
+The USS Lewis B. Puller has a top speed of over 15 knots (28 km/h).
What type of aircraft can the USS Lewis B. Puller support?
+The USS Lewis B. Puller can support a variety of aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey and the CH-53E Super Stallion.
The USS Lewis B. Puller is a highly advanced and capable ship, designed to provide a mobile, flexible platform for a range of military operations. With its advanced systems and equipment, including the MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV and the AN/SPS-75 air search radar, the USS Lewis B. Puller is an ideal platform for supporting a variety of aircraft and operations. The ship’s large flight deck and cargo handling equipment allow it to support a range of shipboard operations, including flight operations, cargo operations, and maintenance. The USS Lewis B. Puller is a valuable asset to the United States Navy, and will play an important role in supporting a range of military operations in the years to come.
